Moving to US - Credit and Taxes

Hello,

I just received my US spousal visa, so I can move down to the US anytime. I am currently un-employed, with roughly $15000 in debt. My credit rating in Canada is very good, I confirmed with Equifax

I need to establish credit in the US, but I am wondering if I am better off declaring bankruptcy/consolidating in Canada and starting fresh in the US? Can I somehow leverage my spouse's american credit rating?

Also, I will be receiving a pension pay out for my former employer and I do not know how that plays out between the US and Canadian tax agencies. If I put the funds into a private RRSP in Canada, I don't pay taxes on it, but can I take that money and apply it to a US equivalent fund? What would happen there?

Any advice?

I answer tax questions at forums.serbinski.com

Not sure you would be allowed to declare bankruptcy in canada

In US, you will, as you say, inherit your credit rating from your spouse, so I wouldn't worry about that.